Seatrade, the specialist reefer operator, is building six reefer container ships, marking a new phase in the reefer industry. The first of these ships has already been delivered. The Curacao-based Seatrade Group, under the leadership of chairman Yntze Buitenwerf, is expanding its modern reefer capacity to meet the growing demand for high reefer intake. The Seatrade Chile, a Liberian-flagged vessel with a capacity of 1,800 TEU, is equipped with 639 electrical plugs for refrigerated boxes, providing a reefer capacity of 1,278 TEU. The ship is powered by an oil-fired, two-stroke MAN main engine and is prepared for the future use of alternative fuels.

The vessel was delivered to its owners on March 20 at the Huanghai shipyard, from where it embarked on its maiden voyage to the Port of Ningbo. The ship stands out for its unique features, including reefer plugs and an additional power generator installed to enhance reefer capacity. Built according to the latest optimized hydrodynamic hull design, the vessel features an S-Bow and twisted bulb rudder, making it the most fuel-efficient ship in its segment. With a strong emphasis on reefer cargoes, the vessel is equipped with maintenance bridges and operates at 18.7 knots.

Both the primary and auxiliary engines are Tier 3 compliant. The vessel holds a green passport and a clean ship notation and is prepared for methanol use. Deck cranes will be installed starting with the next delivery, the Seatrade Peru, in September.